Physics with Astrophysics

What you'll study

Explore physics on a grand scale, coming to understand the forces that light stars and form galaxies.

You can combine undergraduate and postgraduate study on this course. Study for an extra year and you’ll graduate with a Masters degree.

First year

All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.

The course consists of 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits, meaning you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more (e.g. 40 credits). In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120.

Core modules

Core and compulsory modules are fundamental to achieving the learning outcomes for your course and must be studied.

Introduction to Experimental Skills and Mathematics for Physics

This module will introduce you to the operation of scientific instruments and experimental skills that you will need in order to study practical physics. You'll also develop your mathematical abilities so that you can solve problems in physics.

The Classical World

This module delivers essential core physics covering two main themes: classical mechanics and optics. You will study Newton's Laws and extend them to simple fluid dynamics, and apply knowledge of optics in different regimes.

Gravitation and Astronomy

This module delivers essential core physics in the area of gravitation and rotational mechanics through an introduction to astronomy and astrophysics. You will study Kepler's Laws, observational astronomy and telescopes, stellar and galaxy evolution, and introductory cosmology.

Experimental Physics and Mathematics 1

This module will further develop your practical and mathematical skills. Team-based experimentation will allow you to explore aspects of practical physics, and higher complexity physical problems will be accessible to you due to extended skills in mathematics.

Electricity and Magnetism with Computation

From the Quantum World to the Macro World – an Introduction to Quantum Physics and the Properties of Matter

This module presents an integrated view of matter, going from the quantum scale to the macro scale. You will explore how quantum physics can explain the behaviour of atoms, and how the collective behaviour of atoms can in turn explain the macroscopic properties of matter that we see around us.

Second year

All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.

The course consists of 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits, meaning you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more (e.g. 40 credits). In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120.

Core modules

Core and compulsory modules are fundamental to achieving the learning outcomes for your course and must be studied.

Experimental Physics and Mathematics 2

You'll study this module through a combination of laboratory classes and mathematics. In the laboratory classes you'll develop your experimental technique skills by creating experiments to solve specific scientific problems. In mathematics, you'll learn about differential equations and Fourier Series.

Thermodynamics, Statistical Physics and Special Relativity

This module analyses the equilibrium behaviour of many-body systems from a macroscopic point of view (thermodynamics) and from a microscopic point of view (statistical physics). You'll study the behaviour of systems at significant fractions of the speed of light (special relativity).

Intermediate Quantum Mechanics with Advanced Computation

Experimental Physics and Mathematics 3

Develop your own scientific investigations and do authentic scientific research by designing experiments to answer a question that you create. In mathematics, you will learn about Vector Calculus.

The Physics of Waves and Solid State

Stellar Structure and Evolution

Final year

All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.

The course consists of 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits, meaning you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more (e.g. 40 credits). In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120.

Core modules

Core and compulsory modules are fundamental to achieving the learning outcomes for your course and must be studied.

Team Experimental Problem Solving & Project Planning

Advanced Quantum, Nuclear and Particle Physics

Explore advanced concepts in quantum physics, nuclear and particle physics. What are the key theories and experiments of nuclear and particle physics? How can we apply quantum mechanics to solve problems in nuclear and particle physics? What is a Hilbert space? All of those topics will be covered using a mixture of lectures and workshops.

More about this course

Physics with Astrophysics at Hull encourages you to delve into the make up of the universe: exploring planets from our solar system to distant galaxies as you study with experts.

Study under experts in areas such as cosmology, galaxy formation and evolution, observational astronomy and solar physics.

The University's EA Milne Centre for Astrophysics is a focus for major national and international research collaborations.

Sharpen your critical thinking skills and get the chance to publish research papers before you’ve even graduated.

Enjoy access to Viper – the most powerful supercomputers of any university in the North of England – and tackle new questions that nobody has yet answered.

This degree is accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP).

We'll give you the theoretical and practical tools to reveal and understand the underlying laws that govern the universe – from the smallest sub-atomic particle to the grand scale of cosmology. Many of our graduates go on to successful careers in some of the world’s best-known laboratories and research facilities.

Teaching and learning

Throughout your degree, you’re expected to study for 1,200 hours per year. That’s based on 200 hours per 20 credit module. And it includes scheduled hours, time spent on placement and independent study. How this time’s divided among each of these varies each year and depends on the course and modules you study.

Scheduled hours typically include lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, and supervised laboratory and studio sessions. The types of scheduled lessons you’ll have depend on the course you study.

Placement hours typically include time spent on a work placement, studying abroad, or field trips.

There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make. The list below has some examples, and any extra costs will vary.

Books (you’ll have access to books from your module reading lists in the library, but you may want to buy your own copies

Future prospects

A Physics with Astrophysics degree from Hull is attractive to scientific and high-tech employers. Our graduates find work in industrial research and development in areas such as laser systems engineering, telecommunications, IT and computing, medical applications and with government organisations.

A large number of graduates continue their studies after graduation. Some get funded MSc places, for example in Nuclear Technology, and others undertake fully funded PhDs, leading to research positions in institutions such as the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy.

Our graduates have found work in the UK and overseas with major companies such as Reckitt Benckiser, Rolls Royce and Atkins Engineering. Graduates are also in high demand in laboratories at Jodrell Bank, National Physical Laboratory or National Nuclear Laboratory. There are opportunities in medical physics within the NHS, with some graduates entering NHS graduate schemes, and also in education as teachers.

Our courses are designed so that employability is at the heart of the curriculum. You will learn valuable communication and presentation skills that have helped our graduates find careers in areas as diverse as oil prospecting, defence, risk management and the Stock Exchange.

You will have access to lifelong careers guidance. The University of Hull’s commitment to employability does not end when you graduate. If you need guidance on your career path, or get to the point when you would like a career change, help and support is always available.